Read previous – Wallice show preview
I took an intermission from listening to Laurel Hell on repeat long enough to catch Wallice perform at Franklin Music Hall in Philly on Friday, 2/4. Currently supporting Still Woozy on their North American tour, the show marks Wallice’s first performance in Philly (as far as I can tell). Beyond her social media (which includes a ceramics side hustle) and YouTube presence, there isn’t too much out there on Wallice. That won’t be the case for much longer as the artist has inked a deal with Dirty Hit Records and is set to release more music this year.
Taking the stage nearly 30 minutes late, Wallice and co. kicked off their set with “Off the Rails” (the title track to their 2021 debut EP). Jitters and monitoring issues quickly vanished and they were on their way to winning over the audience by the end of the song’s first chorus. Decked out in a full leather Gucci suit (that Wallice confessed she had to eventually return), they played a number of new/unreleased songs. While her early tracks skewed in the bedroom pop genre, these new songs were bigger and sounded right at home in a large venue. Wallice introduced the members of the band while keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist (whose name escapes me) played the keyboard part of Radiohead’s “Everything In Its Right Place”; immediately after, the band launched into a completely unexpected cover of Nirvana’s “Heart Shaped Box”.
I was able to catch the name of a new/unreleased song called “Funeral”, which Wallice claimed to be her favorite song that she’s written. It’s a fantastic track that I’d describe (upon first impression) like a mashup of Sara Bareilles and current-era Weezer (in a good way). The song even ended with a Rivers Cuomo-esque guitar solo. They ended their 45 minute set with “23”, a song about that period in life that you’re an actual adult but not really. To me, this charming and self-deprecating style of songwriting is quintessential Wallice.
Wallice shared that they’ve recently finished recording their 2nd EP, which is titled something along the lines of Greatest American Superstar if I heard correctly (which I very possibly did not). I’m guessing it’ll be out soon. She’ll be continuing on tour with Still Woozy until his North American tour wraps in March. I’m predicting some festival appearances and hopefully a headlining tour later on in 2022. Check out Wallice’s music video for “Off the Rails” below and keep scrolling to see more photos from the show.
